Malaysia and Borneo Adventure
contents
- Trip Style
- Service Level
- Physical Grading
- Itinerary
- Important Notes
- Accommodation
- About Accommodation
- My Own Room
- Transport
- Group Size Notes
- Local Flights
- Meals Included
- Meals
- Group Leader Description
- Joining Hotel
- Arrival Complications
- What to Take
- Checklist
- Emergency Contact
- Laundry
- Visas
- Money Exchange
- Emergency Fund
- Tipping
- Optional Activities
- Health
- Trip Specific Safety
- Local Dress
Malaysia and Borneo Adventure - AAMBD
12 days: Malaysia
Print | What's Included
Arrival transfer - Welcome gift - Take a cyclo-ride and visit historic sites and the Maritime Museum in Melaka - Walking tour of Colonial Singapore and Chinatown - Visit Mt Kinabalu National Park and the Poring hot springs - Visit the Sandakan WW2 POW War Memorial and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - Explore Gomantong Cave - Kinabatangang River wildlife viewing by boat - Explore the Danum Valley Forest Reserve including visiting a Kadazandusun burial site, lectures on local wildlife and ecology, a nighttime wildlife drive in open jeep, a canopy walk and a evening jungle walk - Tour Kuala Lampur and visit the Batu caves.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Validity: Valid for all trips departing January 1st, 2013 - December 31st, 2013
Back To TopTrip Style
Discovery Adventures: Say hello to your world.
Engage the extraordinary cultures, wildlife and landscapes through exhilarating, educational and immersive activities while achieving a greater appreciation for our planet. These trips are as much about doing as seeing — all with a comfortable feel.
Service Level
Comfort:
- All the adventure you want, with a softer landing
- Handpicked, character-rich accommodations with upgraded amenities services
- Upgraded and private transport, including flights to maximize time
- More included meals, activities and transfers
Physical Grading
2: There'll be some light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Itinerary
Day 1 Kuala Lampur (1D)
Day 2-3 Melaka (2B)
Explore the old port town of Melaka where we can wander the streets and absorb the atmosphere and heritage of this historically important maritime town. With the beginning of trade with China in the early 15th century, Melaka rapidly became the most important trading port in South East Asia. Chinese traders were followed by those from India. With them came Islam and soon the Melaka sultans ruled the largest empire in Malaysia's history. Successively the Portugese, Dutch and British arrived in search of trading wealth. While the effects of recent economic growth is apparent, Melaka remains one of Malaysia's premier destinations. There are temples, churches and mosques, museums and forts to explore. We will also experience a taste of old Asia with a trishaw ride around the streets of old Melaka.
Day 4 Singapore (1B)
Day 5 Kota Kinabalu (1B)
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is an intriguing city that was born between the wild jungles and the South China Sea. Having survived World War II bombings, KK now has a charm that can only be found in a frontier town.
In your free time you can immerse yourself in history at the Sabah State Museum, visit the Monsopiad Cultural Village, home to a notorious head hunter, or explore the islands off-shore of Kota Kinabalu, excellent for swimming or snorkelling.
Day 6 Mt Kinabalu National Park (1B,1L,1D)
Mt Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Hopefully you'll catch a glimpse of the summit, which in the afternoon is often shrouded in cloud.
We stay at the foot of the mountain, so there's the opportunity to stretch your legs by exploring the trails around the park, check out the visitor centre or if you wish, or do an optional trip to Ranau. There are some beautiful nature walks around the headquarters and at Poring Hot Springs, through lowland tropical forest on well marked trails.
Days 7 Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre/Sandakan (1B,1L,1D)
The historical city of Sandakan is located on the east coast of Borneo and it had served as the capital of the British North Borneo during the British colonial time. The city was the notorious site of a World War II Japanese airfield, built by the forced labour of Javanese civilians and Allied prisoners of war. In 1945, the remaining prisoners were sent on the "Sandakan Death Marches". These were a series of forced marches in Borneo from Sandakan to Ranau resulting in the deaths of more than 3,000 Indonesian civilian slave labourers and 2,400 Allied prisoners of war who had been interred at prison camps in Borneo. In the end, only 6 Australians survived, all whom had escaped. It is considered one of the worst atrocities suffered by Australian servicemen during World War 11.
On the more positive side, Sepilok is where you get to meet the adorable 'wild men of Borneo'. Orangutans and their human like features are a truly unforgettable experience. The centre is an excellent example of active conservation, re-introducing domesticated, injured and orphaned orangutans back into the wild. You'll visit one of the feeding platforms & there's a visitor centre where you can learn more about these amazing animals. There are walking trails where you can see not only orangutans, but several species of macaque & a host of other birds & wildlife roaming freely. (Please note there is an additional camera fee at the centre)
It must be remembered the reserve is primarily set up to help re-introduce orangutans back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. As we walk into the reserve to see the semi-wild orangutans it is essential that we follow the parks instructions. We are not permitted to interfere or touch the orangutans as human contact must be kept to a minimum.
Days 8 Kinabatangan River (1B,1L,1D)
Dating back to the 13th century, Chinese traders have come to climb 100 metres up on the ceilings of the Gomantong Caves in search of birds' nests, a prized delicacy in making soup. Harvesters put their lives at risk, climbing shaky rattan ladders and ropes to get to the prized nests. The risky nature of the collecting has helped make the commodity a pricey one.
There are two cave complexes - Simud Hitam (Black Cave) soaring 90 metres high and the more accessible of the two, and Simud Putih (White Cave), where the more valuable nests are found. A well-maintained boardwalk gives you easy access to do some exploring or watch the skilled harvesters at work.
The resident creatures of the caves include swiftlets (from which the nests are collected), bats and other birds such as serpent eagles, bat hawks and kingfishers . You might even spot an orangutan or two.
Day 9-10 Danum Valley (2B,2L,2D)
On Day 9 you will be transfer by boat for 30min & continue to drive 3.5 hours to Borneo Rainforest Lodge at Danum Valley Forest Reserved. At 1230hrs, lunch will be served then introduction to the forest will follow. After the short introduction, trek to the Kadazandusun burial site, known as ‘Coffin Cliff’ then proceed trekking to the ‘View Point’ for a bird’s eye view of the area. Descend back to the ‘Jacuzzi Pool’ for a refreshing dip. A briefing and slide presentation at the conference room will follow just after the dinner. This evening, you will have the opportunity to do the ‘Night Drive’ in an open-air jeep in search for the nocturnal animals.
Early the next morning after breakfast, experience the guided jungle walk to the ‘Canopy Walkway’ enjoying the sounds of the birds and return through the ‘Nature Trail’. After lunch enjoy optional activities; water tubing for an hour in the Danum river or trekking along the Segama River. Have dinner and proceed for the Night Walk in search of nocturnal animals.
Day 11 Kuala Lampur (1B)
The evening is best spent at the night market sampling different cuisine and bargain hunting among the stalls. Don't forget a visit to the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world.
Day 12 Kuala Lampur (1B)
Important Notes
1. Discovery Adventures is operated in conjunction with G Adventures, the world leader in sustainable adventure travel. An award winning company with over 800 employees and 17 operational offices worldwide, G Adventures has 20 years experience in creating culturally interactive travel experiences. G Adventures advocates a triple bottom line business philosophy where equal attention is given to the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism to achieve long-term environmentally responsible growth whilst protecting destinations & cultural heritage for future generations.
2. Please note there are camera fees at Sepilok (RM10)
3. The order of visiting places on this trip may change according to the availability of accommodation. This does not affect the activities included and travel times are only minimally altered.
4. There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg (33lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.
5. Depending on the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between July 10 to August 10, 2013. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day.
Accommodation
Comfort hotels (8 nts), jungle lodge (3 nts).
About Accommodation
The accommodation level for most Discovery Adventure tours are comfortable, in mid-range hotels, motels, lodges, guest houses, etc. You'll often enjoy air-conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms and some amenities. Accommodation and amenities can vary by Country and region and please remember that standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. Some trips may include camping, permanent tented camps or more rustic lodges, depending on the remoteness of where you are visiting. Please see your trip details for more information, specific to your tour. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.
**Note: The standard of accommodation that we have at the Kinabatangan Jungle Camp if rustic and there is no air conditioning available. The location and hospitality however more than compensates for a bit of roughing it.
My Own Room
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.
Transport
Minibus, cyclo, jeep, local bus, taxi, boat, plane, walking.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, Avg 12
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Meals Included
11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners.
Meals
Travelling with Discovery Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful foods and flavors that are available in the world. Some meals are included in the trip price in more remote regions or as a highlight where we can share a local specialty or cultural experience. In many places where there is a choice of eating options, we like to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company, but there is no obligation to do this. Your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Group Leader Description
All Discovery Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Joining Hotel
Furama Bukit Bintang
136, Jalan Changkat Thambi Dollah,
Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur
55100
Malaysia
Tel: + 60 3 2788 8888
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO. If this is unsuccessful, please refer to our Emergency Contact. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please contact your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
What to Take
We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for Discovery Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!). You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.
Checklist
Documents
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•USD Cash (small denominations preferred)
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•Discovery Adventures/G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and trip details
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Suggested
•Day pack for daily personal items
•Watch or Alarm clock
•Flashlight or Headlamp
•Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
•Insect Repellent
•Water bottle
•Ear plugs
•Small towel and swim wear
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
•hand sanitizers/ antibacterial wipes
•Money belt
•Shorts/skirts
•Long trousers
•Shirts/T-shirts
•1 smart outfit for evenings out
•waterproof jacket.
•Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
•Pocketknife
•Camera and extra memory card/film
•Extra batteries (recommended)
•Electricity Plug Adapter
•First-aid kit (should contain Lip balm with sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofin, malaria pills, band aids/plasters, tape, anti-histamine, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Optional Items: reading/writing material, binoculars, cover for backpacks, Maps.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Bangkok, Thailand
During Office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5pm Local Time)
From outside Thailand: +66 2 381 5574
From within Thailand: 02 381 5574
After hours emergency number (SE Asia Manager)
From outside Thailand: +66 87 049 6074
From within Thailand: 087 049 6074
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas
It is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Your travel agent can assist. Below are the visa requirements for Malaysia at the time of printing:Malaysia: A visa is not required for the following nationalities: Australian, British, Irish, New Zealand, Canadian, American, Belgian, Swedish, Swiss, German, Danish and Dutch. Refer to your travel agent for other nationalities.
Money Exchange
During this tour the local currency you will use is the Malaysian Ringgit. As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout South East Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back up. Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. USD Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers' cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange. Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached.Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
Optional Activities not included in the trip itinerary.
Tunku Abdul National Marine park (Kota Kinabalu) - USD10
Sabah Museum (Kota Kinabalu) - USD2
Kota Kinabalu Bird Sanctuary (Kota Kinabalu) - USD4
River rafting full day (day trip from Kota Kinabalu) - USD70
Camera Fee (Sepilok) - USD4
Rainforest Discovery Centre (Sepilok) - USD4
All prices are per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our CEO's are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Trip Specific Safety
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Local Dress
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not acceptable. One piece bathing suits are recommended and topless sun bathing is unacceptable.
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
